TROY (2004)

Should I see it? Sure. SHORT REVIEW: I like it as much as straight man can like watching male models in skirts running around for almost three hours. Thank goodness for needless bloodshed and large scale battle sequences. Tigerbeat has rewritten history. I checked it out and I could find little evidence to support the film's claim that Greeks were a blonde, blue-eyed Nordic race of folk. Actually, when I found out that pot-head Brad Pitt was cast as legendary warrior Achilles in Troy I thought it was a mistake. In most cases he has been recycling his role as Jeffrey Goines from 12 Monkeys since 1995. But, to be honest, pot-head Brad Pitt pulled it off and carries this epic. Beyond his obvious physical presence – he brings a dimension to the role other beefcake actors perhaps could not. Pot-head Brad Pitt’s Achilles shows us the inherent torment living in a world where one can have whatever he wants. He knows his of his abilities and his stature above the normal man, but its not enough. Pot-head Brad Pitt’s scenes where Achilles is forced into action because of issues thrust upon him by the arrogant and ruthless Agamemnon (over-acted by respected Scottish actor Brian Cox (reprising his landmark role from Super Troopers.) Perhaps it’s my irrational aggression against authority figures, but it reminded me of the times when I felt those above me at work were dim-eyed morons who shouldn’t leave the house without a helmet on. Is there nothing more aggravating than being under the thumb of an idiot? Hold on, I’ll go ask my son. Brian Cox (Super Troopers) aside, the acting is wonderful and the script offers many great lines and exceptional pacing. Wolfgang Peterson's direction is masterful as is usual for his work – in particular in how he shoots his individual fight scenes. I believe he’s the only major Hollywood director who is capable of presenting a fight sequence properly. His editing is not too quick and his shots are open enough for us to see the movement. In many cases today, fight scenes are a whirling vortex of close shots lit very darkly. I like it when I can see not only the faces of who is fighting, but how they are going about it. I’m silly that way. Categories: film, movie, DVD, review, Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Eric Bana, Troy